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Remove the floor mats, the front carpets, and the foam pads under the carpets. On the convertibles, these foam pads can get wet due to leaks in the top, and they can take on a musty odor that smells like, well, an old British Car. Whether coupe or convertible, a good airing out in the sun for an afternoon (on both sides) will make them smell better. A little baking soda sprinkled on and vacuumed off will help to soak up bad odors. These foam mats are like odor-eaters in your shoes. They can get smelly, so take some time with them. If they are really deteriorating rotted, or falling apart, order new ones. A home supply store or carpet shop may have suitable foam replacement, but it should be of the same quality, thickness and density of the original. Don't forget to wipe down the paint on the floor boards too. If you have mats over your carpets, hopefully your carpets are in good shape. Start by thoroughly vacuuming them. Use a household upright vacuum cleaner, not the nozzle type like at the car wash. Lay the carpeting on a flat clean surface and go over it for several minutes with the vacuum. Wait, you're still not done! Pick the carpets up and beat them against a chain link fence (preferable) or a brick wall or other flat object. There is a lot of embedded dirt in these carpets! Keep beating until you don't see copious amounts of dirt and dust flying out of them\emdash then vacuum again. Hang them up on a clothes-line to air out in the sunshine. If they smell, a little baking powder sprinkled generously on them will also soak up most of the odors. Of course, vacuum the powder off before putting back in the car. Floor mats come in many varieties. My XJ-S had a Jaguar coco mat, but they could be carpet, rubber, or soft pile. All of these respond well to the beat-against-a-chain-link-fence method, and all except the rubber mats benefit from the same vacuuming treatment. You can wash and hose down rubber mats. Both the mats and carpets may have stains on them. If you want to really clean these well, then rent a professional steam cleaning system. I have found these to be safe to the carpet color and texture, and they do a good job of pulling out even more unbelievable amounts of grey-gunky stuff. You'll need to let these air for at least one day in the sun to dry them thoroughly. Don't put non-dry carpets or mats back into the car. Plan B is to use a spray-on carpet cleaner. I have had excellent results with a product in the USA called Woolite (brand) Spray Carpet Cleaner . It's mild enough not to bleach color out of the carpet/mats, but strong enough to most surface stains. Always follow the directions on whatever you buy to a "T" . Try it on an inconspicuous piece, so if it messes it up, you can hide it.
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These great tips were provided by our detailing expert Robert Estner. Neither Veneerz.com not R. Estner may be held responsible for any personal injuries or any damages to the property as a result of applied suggestions. Please read all safety information provided on products which will be used to prevent any accidents and injuries. If you have any questions regarding cleaning your car interior or have a great tip to add and would like it to be published on our website, please e-mail our webmaster
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